Kids and parents were given a treat this Halloween at Danny Boy’s Irish Pub and Restaurant on Dry Harbor Road. Keeping up a 12-year tradition, the Middle Village restaurant fed neighborhood kids for free last Thursday.

“I think it is important to be part of the community,” said manager Dennis Boissel. “You have to give back, you can’t take all the time.”

Over the past few years the attendance of the event has reflected the changing demographic of the neighborhood. However, Boissel said that many of those that take part in the event are repeat customers.

“I’ve seen kids since they were seven and eight years old,” he said. “Many are not yet old enough to bring their own kids, but some are older and do.”

Even if some parents weren’t brining their children for the free dinner, the bar was inundated with trick-or-treaters from the neighborhood.

“It’s a fun and happy time,” Boissel said. “When they start laughing and goofing it really does your heart good.”

One group of five adults and a child came all the way from Kew Gardens to celebrate Halloween at the restaurant for the first time.

“Over by us they do Christmas for the kids, but nothing really for Halloween,” said Suzanna Costasuzamma, who said she will be back next year. “It’s better to come and socialize. I think it is important to have something like this in your community.”

Sean Turk has been attending the event for years, and said that he is already looking forward to attending next Halloween.

“We’re here so the kids can celebrate Halloween,” said Turk,who brought his young son with him. “They do a great job here locally and taking care of the kids.”